In October, I’ll be running the Manchester half marathon for Alzheimer’s Society and for my lovely Dad.

My Dad was the most amazing Dad. He was kind, cool, funny, silly, gentle, attentive, caring and determined as ever. He was everything I could have wished for in a Dad.

Sadly, when he was around 55, my family and I began to notice changes in his behaviour and memory. As he was fairly young to have symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we struggled to get Doctor’s to assess Dad and give him an accurate diagnosis. Around 6 years passed, with symptoms worsening, before Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 61.

Over the 9 years that Dad had Alzheimer’s, I learnt that the disease isn’t just about memory or the odd piece of forgetfulness. It impacts behaviour, mobility, speech, mood, emotions, cognitive processes and much more. As the disease progresses, it gradually takes every function, ability and ounce of independence away from patients. It’s an incredibly distressing disease for patients, carers and families and it’s extremely painful to watch someone you love gradually fade away.

I’m raising money because I’m hopeful that one day there will be a cure. Patients and families experiencing Alzheimer’s also deserve as much help and support as possible. Hopefully any money raised could help ease the difficulties and heartbreaking experiences resulting from this disease.

Thank you so much for any support that you’re able to give 💙💙💙